Teixeira Dominates Shogun Across Eight Rounds

Glover Teixeira scored an early knockdown and dominated Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua across eight rounds Saturday night, winning by decision in the main event of Spaten Fight Night 3.

The former UFC heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight champion trapped Rua against the ropes from the opening bell and unloaded combinations throughout the fight, according to MMA Fighting. Teixeira connected with body shots in the first round before landing a clean punch to Rua's jaw as the bell rang. He dropped Rua with a barrage in the second round, though the Brazilian legend made the count and survived to the break.

Teixeira's Pressure Overwhelms Rua Late

Teixeira kept pushing forward, blasting Rua with punches whenever he pinned him against the ropes. Rua fired back with haymakers but absorbed significant damage over the middle rounds. By the fifth, Teixeira appeared to slow, allowing Rua to connect with some of his best shots of the night. The 44-year-old found a second wind in the sixth, establishing a stiff jab that snapped Rua's head back in nearly every exchange.

Teixeira charged forward near the end of the seventh and landed several hard shots in succession that appeared to have Rua near his end, per MMA Fighting. He kept looking for the finish but time ran out before he could land the knockout blow. Both fighters reached the final bell with Teixeira earning a clear-cut decision over a fellow MMA legend.

Teixeira reportedly said he would compete again after the performance. Rua, who absorbed heavy punishment across all eight rounds, had teased this as a potential retirement fight heading into Saturday.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Glover Teixeira scores early knockdown, dominates ‘Shogun’ Rua across 8 rounds to win decision